Robert Patricio is known for his classic forms and use of both traditional and pre-historic imagery.  This small jar is coil built and thin-walled. It has a classic water jar shape with the high shoulder and the sloping neck.  The jar is painted with a polychrome design called “Sunset lighting”.  There are two different red clay slips along with the white clay. It creates a striking coloration with the two reds having the appearance of shading.  There are also all the small fine-lines used to accent the painted designs.  The jar has both an ancient and very modern appearance.  Robert is certainly one of the leading traditional Acoma potters working today which is evidenced by his stunning forms and complementary designs.  The jar is signed on the bottom, “R. M. Patricio”.  The last photo is one of Robert with the jar. 

Robert said recently of his pottery:

““The pottery inspires me to keep going.  Keeping the tradition alive in making pottery, that’s how we were brought up.  Our ancestors started making pottery.  It’s amazing what comes of a piece of clay. When you come to Acoma it’s peaceful and quiet.  When you look a piece of pottery, you see the same peacefulness.”   Robert Patricio, 2020